After enduring months of hardship and abuse, 32 Filipino seafarers have been rescued by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) from their employer in Fiji. The group fell victim to contract substitution, delayed salaries, and various forms of maltreatment.
According to the DMW, the seafarers were originally promised a monthly salary of ₱60,000 but were paid only ₱20,000—and often received their wages late.
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the welfare and rights of overseas Filipino workers worldwide, the DMW swiftly acted upon learning about the crew’s situation. Labor Attaché Antonio Mutuc Jr. personally visited the seafarers, coordinated their safe return to the Philippines, and initiated an investigation into the employer and recruitment agency involved.
The DMW said disciplinary measures will be imposed to hold those responsible accountable. Upon arrival in the Philippines, each of the rescued workers received ₱50,000 in financial aid from the AKSYON Fund, along with psychosocial and reintegration support to help them recover and rebuild their lives.
The agency also reminded Filipinos aspiring to work abroad to verify that their recruitment agencies are properly registered and authorized by the government to avoid similar incidents.
